Roles Of Muslim Organizations In The Development Of Islamic Education
[A CASE STUDY OF ILORIN WEST LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREA KWARA STATE]

The Five Pillars of Islam
1.    Faith: “Tawhid” is a revolutionary concept and constitutes the essence of the teachings of Islam. It means that there is only one supreme Lord of the universe. The declaration of faith is called the Shahada, a simple formula which all the faithful pronounce. In Arabic, the trust part is: La ilahaillaLah-Allah ‘there is no god except Allah; The second part of the Shahada is Muhammadun Rasulu’Liah: ‘Muhammadun Rasulu’liah; ‘Muhammad is the messenger of God. The starting point of Islam is the belief in the oneness of God- “The Almighty”.
2.    Salat: “Salat” is the name for the obligatory prayers which are performed five times a day. It is a direct link between the worshipper and God. There is no hierarchical authority in Islam, and no priests, so the prayers are led by a learned person who knows the Qur’an. Chosen by the congregation. These five prayers contain verses from the Qur’an, and are said in Arabic, the language  of the Revelation, but personal supplication can be offered in one’s own language. Prayers are said at dawn, noon.mid- afternoon, sunset and nightfall, and thus determine the rhythm of the entire day. Although it is preferable to worship together in a mosque, a Muslim may pray almost anywhere, such as in fields, offices, factories and universities. Visitors to the Muslim world are struck by the centrality of prayer in daily life.
3.    Zakat: The word zakat means both ‘proportion for those in need, and, like the pruning of plants, this cutting back balances and encourages new growth. Each Muslim calculates his or her own zakat individually. For most purpose this involves the payment each year of two and a half percent of one’s Capital (21/2%). A pious person may also give as much as he or she pleases as Sadaqa(voluntary charity), and does so preferably in secret. It has a wider meaning. The prophet said even meeting your brother with a cheerful face is charity. The prophet said: charity is a necessity for every Muslim. He was asked; what if a person has nothing?’ the prophet replied; He should work with his own hands for benefit and then give something out of such earning in charity.’ The companions asked: what if he is not able to work?’ the prophet said: he should help poor and need persons: the companions further asked ‘what if they cannot do even that? The prophet said ‘He should urge others to do good: the companions said ‘what if he lacks that also?’ the prophet said ‘he should check himself from doing evil that is also charity.
4.    Fast: Every year in the month of Ramadan, all Muslim fast from sun rise until sundown by abstaining from food, drink, and sexual relations. Those who are sick, elderly, or on a journey, and women who are pregnant or nursing are permitted to break the fast and make up an equal number of days later in the year. If they are physically unable to do this, they must feed a needy person for every day missed. Children begin to fast (and to observe the prayer) from puberty, although many start earlier. Although the fast is most beneficial to the health, it is regarded principally as a method of self-purification. By cutting oneself off from worldly  comforts, even for a short time, a fasting person gains true sympathy with those who are hungry as well as growth in one’ s spiritual life.
5.    Hajj: the annual pilgrimage to makkah – the hajj- is an obligation only for those who are physically and financially able to perform it. Nevertheless, over two million people go to makkah each year from every corner of the globe providing a unique opportunity for those of different nation to meet one and other. Although makkah is always filled with visitors, the annual Hajj begins in the twelfth month of the Islamic year. pilgrims wear special clothes: simple garment which strip away distinctions of class and culture, so that all stand equal before god. The basic rites of hajj include circling the ka’ba seven times, and going seven times between the mountains of safa and Marwa as did Hagar during her search for water. Then the pilgrims stand together on the wide plain of Arafa and join in prayers for Allah’s forgiveness, in what is often thought of as a preview of the last judgment. The close of the Hajj is marked by a festival, the Eid al- Adha, which is celebrated with prayers and the exchange of gifts in Muslim communities everywhere. This, and the Eid al-fitr, a feast day commemorating the end of Ramadan, are the main festivals of the Muslim calendar.